James Gunn on “chasing your dreams”

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ director makes a really solid point.

The other day, James Gunn, whose writing-directing credits include Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, hopped onto Twitter and reflected on the idea of following one’s dreams:

“I appreciate the this sentiment, but I think it’s only partially true. People don’t find career happiness chasing dreams. They find it discovering what they’re good at and doing that for the benefit of themselves and their fellow human beings.”

I completely agree with this. When Joseph Campbell talks about the central theme of the Hero’s Journey being this — “Follow your bliss” — he means by necessity, we need to look inward and discover not only that which brings us joy, but that for which we have a talent AND that which contributes to the good of the human community. As Gunn says in his series of tweets:

You can best do “discovery” through self-reflection and experimentation. Get in touch with that part of your psyche which enlivens you and brings you joy. Then test yourself to see if you have instincts or even innate skills which allow you to do that.

Let me add one other thought: By following your bliss, you may be able to receive some financial benefit from your efforts, perhaps even a career. But in my view, that’s a secondary consideration. The MAIN thing each of us should be aiming toward is this: Finding a sense of PURPOSE in our lives.

In theory, if we reflect on who we are and what we bring to this table known as LIFE, then experiment to determine what skill sets and instincts we have, and through that identify our bliss, that should lead us to a vocation or avocation which gives us a sense that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.

And that, my friends, results in a sense of purpose.

James Gunn makes a really important point which leads me to wonder if we are better off following our bliss… rather than following our dreams.

For the entire Gunn series of tweets, go here.